720 and series
Wanted to hear people's opinion of this series. I have one of each, and carry the 721 regularly. I feel like it's one of the underrated older knives. Probably cause it's between the 710 and ares 730.
Even with larger hands it fits comfortably in my hands. Seems kinda like a predecessor to the grip, atleast in the blade. The 722 tanto is almost if not identical to the grip's
Just wanted to hear what you all have to say. Seems interesting.
Even with larger hands it fits comfortably in my hands. Seems kinda like a predecessor to the grip, atleast in the blade. The 722 tanto is almost if not identical to the grip's
Just wanted to hear what you all have to say. Seems interesting.
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I carried a 722 for years. excellent knife. would love a remake with spearpoint (no serrations) and some m390 0 -
I always admired the blade grind on the 720, the bowie version. I found the handle rather small, so never felt completely taken by it. That, and the standard version had an aluminum handle. The G-10 LE was much cooler.
Anyway, completely eclipsed by the Griptilian now.
The Volli is similar in size, but the Volli handle is a better design that welcomes the hand.
The blade grind was a beauty though.0 -
I have a 721 SBT. Don't carry it very often - usually during hunting season.
It's also one of my favorite choices when there is some heavy cutting to be done. The larger scales are easier on the hands in my opinion than the smaller ones on a mini-Grip or 940 for example.
Michael0 -
One of my first & favorite ones of it's day. Very good hard use knife. Have had several different versions and this swapped together one my fav with G10 and satin pe.
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Is that camo custom g10? Never seen it before. Looks really good though 0 -
They are from a 720 Skyline, or I should say 720SBTSL Skyline camo. Limited production I believe as you don't see many around.
There was also a 720SBTRT, That being a Realtree camo version.
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Still hoping, wishing, wanting a 723 plain edge....now that would be a great knife. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by canadianknifenut:
Still hoping, wishing, wanting a 723 plain edge....now that would be a great knife.
I thought I had a picture of a stock 723. They only came in D2 combo-edge and an aluminum handle, but a PE would be great.
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720/722 had Aluminum handle in later production model before discontinuation. Considering they were in Black class, it seems to represent to be a predecessor to Presidio. The size and use has also spawned Griptilian as Po has suggested. (Mel Perdue design was carried on to both of cause.) IMHO, the grip handle material is better than Griptilian. Judging from MSRP, may be BKC was looking for more regular "user" knife. 0 -
i'm not sure of the evolution, but it seems that when discussing the 72x knives, the change to G-10 was a plus and the main dislike to the knife was the Bowie-shaped blade. Many years later, the 723 pictured above was a re-release. It eliminated the dredded Bowie swoop in the blade spine, but it had three defects: It went back to the old coated aluminum handle, similar to a stock 943. Second, it only came in combo-edge. third, the blade was a little large (like a ZT 301) and would have benefitted from a little less hump to the spine, a higher grind and a sharper tip, like a clip point rather than that circular drop point. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by fastjan:
i'm not sure of the evolution, but it seems that when discussing the 72x knives, the change to G-10 was a plus and the main dislike to the knife was the Bowie-shaped blade. Many years later, the 723 pictured above was a re-release. It eliminated the dredded Bowie swoop in the blade spine, but it had three defects: It went back to the old coated aluminum handle, similar to a stock 943. Second, it only came in combo-edge. third, the blade was a little large (like a ZT 301) and would have benefitted from a little less hump to the spine, a higher grind and a sharper tip, like a clip point rather than that circular drop point.
Interesting. BKC site indicates the use of Aluminum was due to running out of G10 because the model was being discontinued. Now I'm not sure which came first, as using aluminum seems to show on Presidio and 94X. I can see some people would prefer G10.
Only combo edge?? That is odd, but again that may be what BKC has learned to offer both CE and PE for the line up.0 -
quote:MFL wrote...Only combo edge?? That is odd, but again that may be what BKC has learned to offer both CE and PE for the line up.
Yes, in recent years we don't see as many LE's coming in only combo edge. A few CE's that bothered me were the 805 HSSR in M2 steel and the Leupold Ares in G-10 & Wood.0 -
Actually I've been wanting a 720 for quit awhile now, I think the alum. version could definitly be competition for the 520.
I like the shape and the size of the blade, too bad they were discon.0 -
According to the 1999 Product Catalog:
NEW! Model 720 (Axis Lock)
The latest design by Mel Pardue has Benchmade USA quality written all over it! The new Model 720 features a machined, tough aluminum handle design with "facet" like angles flowing around its outer form. A black, hard anodized coating provides for sure-grip while giving the facets an almost stealth like appearance and feel by taking the "edge" off the handle.
Handle material: 6061 T-6 aluminum anodized black
So the knife was introduced with aluminum handles from the start. The first time it got differnt handles was in 2000, with the KOTM 02-2000 720S. The change for that version is of course the (I believe to be) G-10 instead of aluminum handles. I just know there were not aluminum.
Full sized picture here.
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I apologize for the extra crappy picture (even for me this is bad) but I took it quickly to post here.
I really should get a scanner one day to upload the decade of catalogs I have that aren't on my site yet.
Full sized version here.0 -
Looking ahead a bit further, the 721 was introduced in the 2001 catalog and had G10 handles.
The 720 itself changed slightly each year. The first year had the Benchmade name in a circle on the handle. 2000 shows it with the Benchmade name and butterfly set into the handle. In 2001 it is set into the handle as in 2000, but it is filled in white to give it much greater contrast.0 -
I handled Skimo's 722 at his house and I must say I am very impressed. he has carried his alot in the past 10 years and it still works and looks good 0 -
I have a 721 on its way to me looking forward to having it for hunting season 0 -
I saw ya jump on that one pretty quick! Nice score. 
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I like 720 better than Mini Griptilian. Closed handle length are
720 = 4.37"
556 = 3.87"0 -
I have a 721 with G10 handle. I don't carry it, it lives in its box. I love the blade shape. I would like to see it rereleased... but I think it would compete with the Grip. 0
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